trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

[vicsponjr]

My friend is selling an 88 Four Winns 215 Sundowner, which I am thinking of buying. He says the only problem it has is the shifter. When I asked what the problem was he said its sticks in forward and he has to play with it to get it into nuetral. I had this problem with my merc alpha drive and it was the neutral interupt switch (? I think this is what its called by merc) I am assuming this is the same problem he his having, or could it be worse?? He recently replaced the engine, then blew up his upper unit (didn't know how to change the gear oil) and had it rebuilt. Claims he had all the parts in the lower unit replaced also. From what I read in recent posts it sounds like it might be the cable, either needs to be replaced or adjusted. Correct? Any idea without looking at the boat how much it is going to cost to have this corrected, and is their OMC mechanics out there?

 

[lakelivin]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=013592 <br /><br />see the above post. covers pretty much same question you asked.

 

[vicsponjr]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

One more thing. He changed his distributer to a HEI ignition. I think I read on Stu's site that that could effect the esi system. Possible cause of shift trouble?

 

[sea wolf]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

Do yourself a favor & pass on the boat. It's an omc. You will be pulling your hair out trying to figure out the shift system. They are a pain in the *** right from the word go. I should know, I own one. Most marine mechanics won't even attempt to adjust these drives. They are not worth the trouble. Get a Merc or preferably a Volvo. At least u won't have to constantly babysit a shift system that is impossible to work with.

 

[KaGee]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

The ESA electronically causes the engine to miss to allow you to get in and out of gear. If he modded the ignition, throw everything about the ESA out the door. He most likely has done irreversible damage to the clutch dog and gears and also the shift cable.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

Well, I guess I beg to differ. I think the OMC system is not so bad once you get used to it. If it isn't comming out of gear I bet its been that way since the electronic conversion and since the only way basically to shift out of gear is to shut down the engine, I bet the dog are OK BUT be advised, KG may be right and that will cost you. What is he asking for the boat?? Is it a good deal because these guys are right to a certain degree and as time goes on, OMC experts are going to get harder to find so selling it a few years down the road or if you keep it the repair down the raod is going to get harder to find and more expensive. Thats why I'm doing a lot of this myself, so I know for the future and there are a bunch of guys here teaching me!!

 

[lakelivin]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

At the very least, see if there is a QUALIFIED OMC mechanic in your area you can trust & have him look it over before you even think about buying.<br /><br />I wouldn't necessarily rule the boat out just because it's got a Cobra IF:<br /><br />1)you have a good OMC mechanic in the area you can trust, and plan on using him for all outdrive service (or commit yourself to spending some time & effort learning Cobras).<br /><br />2) the mechanic finds nothing major wrong with the boat (just adjustments he is able to do; get a price, or better yet, if it's just adjustments, get a price and if it's reasonable, have him do them while he's got it broken down to check out) <br /><br />3) you can get a great deal on the boat<br /><br />Before I'd even consider going as far as taking it in to get it checked out, I'd:<br /><br />a) again, make sure of a good local OMC mechanic<br /><br />b) make sure you friend is willing to give you a great price on the boat (assuming nothing major is wrong with it)<br /><br />c) get agreement that friend either pays for the checkup (or at least splits the cost of it) if the mechanic does find something major wrong with the boat.<br /><br />I know it's a friend, but I'd get all of the agreements with him in writing before you do anything.<br /><br />Just another opinion.

 

[vicsponjr]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

From what I'm seeing it looks like a good deal. 88 Four Winns 215 Sundowner, 5.7/300HP (recently rebuilt), OMC Cobra, dual axle trailer, stainless thru-transom exhaust (not installed yet & that I'll be selling off!)ship to shore radio, am/fm w/cd player, 2 anchors, teak swim platform w/fold up ladder, another ladder (swing top hang-on ladder, 1 cast prop, 2 stainless props, 6 life jackets. <br />Just the shift issue. He swears its the shifter, but don't know how much he knows. <br />He wants $4000. Willing to let me hold $500 for a month, while I get the outdrive checked.

 

[delsol]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

just rembemer in the northeast its a short season and not much time to work on boats

 

[rbezdon]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

vic, if you don't take it I'll come and get it, bad drive or not. I've got a good one on mine.

 

[vicsponjr]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

So you think its a good deal too Vat? The wife likes it. And she is never crazy about any of my toys. We have a 19' open bow right now, which works for me. My first year boating. Her and my daughter want someplace where they can twinkle, ya know?

 

[lakelivin]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

Keys to me seem to be 1)what is it gonna take to get the shift system working correctly? and 2) whether you have a good OMC mechanic in the area.<br /><br />I thnk you can get a completely rebuilt Cobra for under $2k (plus installation, shift cable if necessary, etc.).

 

[rbezdon]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

Vic, seriously, are you going to take it?? If you dont I am comfortable enough with the OMC setup to fix it my self and there are plenty of OMC outlets (Johnnson?Evinrude) here in Chicago that I can handle the repairs. I'll drive out on the week end and pick it up if you pass. Email me at vatter41 at aol.com (just use the at symbol (above the 2 on the keyboard).

 

[vicsponjr]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

Thanks guys. Going to go get the boat Saturday morning. Unfortunately I have to go to 2 parties saturday, neither on the water <br />I'll let you know how it looks once I get a look at it. Gonna need some trailer adjustments too. Says it sways at around 60-65 mph.

 

[xltier]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

i had that problem and moving the boat forward on the trailer took it all out.rides better and pulls much easier also.not sure how that happened.

 

[vicsponjr]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

Swayed at 55. At first he said it was heavy in the front, but he was able to lift it. I'm gonna look around for somewhere to weigh it, if not I'll try moving it forward for now.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: trouble shifting OMC into nuetral

Just a warning! Bombardier bought OMC.<br />Bombarder has NO interest in sterndrives,or their parts.<br /><br />DHP